The summer season in the Philippines, which usually lasts from March to May, increases health concerns, including animal bites. According to the Department of Health (DOH), rabies exposure is one of the most common summer health risks, alongside sunburn, sore eyes, respiratory infections, gastrointestinal issues, and skin diseases.
Rabies remains a serious health concern in the Philippines, with cases rising by 23% from January to mid-September 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, according to the DOH. As of September 14, 2024, 354 rabies cases have been reported nationwide. The rise in cases highlights the need for better awareness and prevention.
Rabies is a severe viral infection that is almost always fatal once symptoms appear. However, it is entirely preventable through prompt and appropriate medical care, including timely vaccination. According to Robyn S. Klein, MD, PhD, in the Merck Manuals article on rabies, the virus travels through the nervous system toward the brain, with symptoms appearing more rapidly when the bite is closer to the head, such as on the face.
Rabies Post-exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) consists of proper wound cleansing and vaccination at recommended intervals. Experts stress that most rabies-related deaths happen because individuals either postpone medical treatment or do not complete the required post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). A study in the Pan African Medical Journal states that most rabies fatalities occur among those who delay, fail to receive, or do not finish the treatment. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also highlight that rabies is preventable when PEP is promptly administered; once clinical signs develop, the disease is nearly always fatal.
If you've been bitten or scratched, time is of the essence. Follow these crucial steps immediately to reduce your risk:
Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and running water.
If the wound is bleeding heavily, press a clean cloth or dry dressing firmly to stop the bleeding.
Apply an over-the-counter antibiotic cream if available, but avoid using garlic, vinegar, or oils, as they can cause irritation and have no proven effect against rabies.
Cover the wound with a sterile bandage or cloth to keep it clean and protected.
Seek medical attention immediately and complete the required rabies vaccine series to ensure full protection.
Every bite or scratch should be taken seriously, and every moment counts. By spreading awareness and being proactive, we can turn the tide against rabies and protect those around us.
